United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity Observed Online

As May 21 marks UN “World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development,” the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL) hosted a virtual observance on May 21, 2020 and received over 5,000 views during the live stream. Holding such an event is significant during the pandemic as conscience-guided cultural exchanges strengthen mutual understanding, promote unity, and facilitate the healing of the world.

Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, President of FOWPAL, through a video, delivered welcome remarks, calling for conscience-driven actions: “Let’s listen to the calling of our conscience and calm our hearts, which may become unsettled due to the changes in the external environment. Let’s sincerely pray for global security and peace and pray for world citizens’ safety and health. Let’s apply our conscience and love to promote a culture of peace, enhance the values of cultural diversity, foster global prosperity, and build a new world of peace and happiness."

An uplifting music video was presented featuring a song titled “A Path to Peace,” written by Harriet Tadikonda, a Flight Lieutenant in the British Air Force. She joined the event from the UK, sharing that the song aims to inspire people to build a better world for children. She also shared a music video of herself singing and playing the piano to support this meaningful day even though she had been hospitalized for COVID-19 and is still suffering its side effects. She has touched many people’s hearts with her efforts and her encouraging words: “We will rise again, and we will rise more united and stronger.”

Prince Rostislav Romanov of Russia, an artist and the great great grandson of Emperor (Tsar) Alexander III of Russia, and Philip Bonn, Special Envoy of IEMO (UN IGO), co-curated the event in the UK.

Anthony Carmona, former President of Trinidad and Tobago, and his wife Reema Harrysingh-Carmona also joined the event from their country. He pointed out that “Three-quarters of major global conflicts have an underlying cultural and ethnic connection and we must therefore encourage understanding and tolerance between and amongst nations and societies of the world.” Reema Harrysingh-Carmona shared that “This pandemic may well be a catalyst for promoting a culture of sustainable peace, recognising the oneness of our humanity.”

Princess Owana Kaʻōhelelani, a musician considered the only female steel guitar player in Hawaii, shared a video message, emphasizing that “We must bring ourselves into a true and honest, regenerative relationship with our Mother Earth, to each other, and to ourselves.”

Rene Wadlow, President of the Association of World Citizens (with UN NGO ECOSOC status), from France shared a message that “We are dedicated to the proposition that the unity of humanity can be achieved through free and complete access to the knowledge of all cultures. We celebrate our similarities rather than our differences.”

In addition to exchanges of ideas on cultural diversity, various artists from around the world showed their support for the day by sharing beautiful cultural performances, including Dr. Liana Valente, NFMC Representative to the UN Department of Global Communications, in the US; Anatoly Kazak and Christoph Kapfhammer in Russia; Martin Olavarrieta, President of Fundacion Cultural Baur, in Mexico; and Srecko Mavrek, a Croatian and a member of Klapa Astoria in New York.

Dr. Randall Birnberg, a psychologist, and Bernd Wenske, a writer, speaker, and business coach in Germany; Nina Gonchrova, President of the Siberian center for Eurasian projects; Professor Emeritus Reijo E. Heinonen at the University of Eastern Finland; Amina Leelo Weewo, Representative of Flame of Peace in Bahrain; Abe Schwarz in Australia; Naaz Farhana, Founder and President of Dhaka Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bangladesh; and Smith Nwokocha in Nigeria also shared positive messages in support of the day.

FOWPAL presented a new rap song titled “Conscience Pulls Us Through” as well as a puppet show, featuring “five do’s and three don’ts” for disease prevention, to encourage people to take conscience-guided actions to get through the pandemic.

At the end of the event, FOWPAL received an outpouring of heart-warming messages from the presenters and viewers. “Amazing event . . . Thank you so much for adding me to it . . . I got so many ideas and plans for the future,” said Amina Mohammed. “Many thanks to the moderators and extraordinary production team of FOWPAL,” said Martin Olavarrieta Maldonado. “Thank you all for this blissful event to really feel ONENESS and beauty of diversity,” said Nina Gonchrova in Russia. “I'm so grateful to be part of this necessary and timely culturally diverse movement,” said Randall Birnberg.

Due to the time constraint, FOWPAL was unable to present all the wonderful videos it received in observance of the day. The virtual event and other videos and messages in support of the day are available on International Conscience Day’s (ICDay) designated website and social media accounts ( FB, IG, Twitter, and YouTube).

All are encouraged to share their messages (text, photo, video, drawing, etc.) about conscience on ICDay’s website and social media pages, which will contribute to global stability and peace. Let’s continue to share kind words and do good deeds to change the world with conscience!

Source: FOWPAL